Lorraine Hadsell
Former teacher, banker, and craft store owner, Lorraine B. Hadsell, 95, died Nov. 14, 2004, at St. Luke Hospital, Marion.
Born Oct. 4, 1909, at Ashland, she was the daughter of Elmer and Minnie (Curtis) Bennett. She was the fourth of five children.
The family moved frequently during her youth, which included stays in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. She moved to Clifton to live with her sister, Ruth Miles, and graduated from Clifton High School.
Shortly after graduation, she married LaVern Hadsell and began teaching elementary grades in an area school.
The couple moved to Clay Center then to Lancaster in 1941, when LaVern purchased an interest in a Lancaster bank. During World War II the couple sold the bank and she returned to teaching.
The couple moved to Chanute, then Sterling, and in 1948, they bought the Farmers and Drovers National Bank at Marion. They moved to Marion in 1949.
She served as a member of the board of Farmers and Drovers National Bank and following the death of her husband, became chairman of the board until the bank was sold in 1987.
She was an active member of Marion Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, trustee, Sunday school teacher, liturgical leader, and memorial committee chairman.
In 1958, she was west central Kansas area leader for United Presbyterian Women, and was president of the Kansas Synodical Society from 1959 to 1962. She served on the Kansas Council of churches from 1960 to 1963.
In 1963, she was one of nine laymen chosen to serve on the 18-member national Presbyterian General Council governing board. During her six years service on the General Council, she worked on world relief and emergency service, budget and finance, long-range planning, and church government restructuring.
In 1971, Hadsell became the first and only woman elected as moderator of the Presbyterian Synod of Kansas, and was re-elected the following year to lead the merger with the Synod of Missouri.
Following LaVern's retirement from banking in 1973, the couple purchased the former offices of Dr. C.R. Magee and opened Cottage Crafts, an arts and crafts store selling supplies, providing art lessons, and serving as an outlet for artists to sell their products. The store also was associated with the Church World Service organization, selling international arts and crafts to benefit people from around the world.
A longtime member of the Marion County Historical Society, in the mid-1980s Hadsell's interests became more focused on local history as a volunteer with Marion Historical Museum. With her good friend Phyllis Melton, Hadsell worked to reorganize and update the displays and records of the museum.
In 1991, Hadsell and Melton were officially named curators of the museum, and they continued in this role until their retirement in 1998. Both women were honored for their efforts by being named co-grand marshals of the Old Settlers' Day parade, and by having a memorial bell in front of the museum dedicated in their honor.
As a popular resident of St. Luke Hospital and Living Center for five years, Lorraine was referred to as "the authority on Marion County history," and she delighted in sharing her knowledge with staff, residents, and guests.
Throughout her lifetime, Lorraine was a member of numerous civic and social organizations, including Order of Eastern Star, PEO, and Athena Club.
Survivors include one daughter, Louise Colburn of Marion; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Nov. 19 at Marion Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Keith Allison officiating.
David Colburn was vocal soloist with Laura Williams accompanying as organist.
Casket bearers were Roger "Bud" Hannaford, Roger Hannaford III, Rosse Case, Casey Case, John Brose, and Bill Darrow.
Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial funds were established with St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, Marion Historical Museum, and Marion Presbyterian Church.
